Costa Mesa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Costa Mesa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Surplus Land Declaration at 695 West 19th Street
A proposal to designate a parcel functioning as part of the Senior Center parking lot as exempt surplus land under state law.
Surplus land declaration at senior center parking lot
The council was asked to declare a newly created parcel carved from the senior center parking lot at 695 West 19th Street as exempt surplus land under state law. How the city uses or disposes of this land could matter for the senior center and future development.
Real Property Negotiations for 695 W. 19th Street
The city is negotiating terms and pricing with Jamboree Housing for a property located at 695 W. 19th Street.
Safe Routes to School plan
The city's first Safe Routes to School action plan is nearly done — crosswalks, curb extensions and school-area safety fixes drawn from 300+ community comments, aimed at winning grants.
Teen Voting Rights
A 16-year-old Costa Mesa teen is asking the city to lower the local voting age to 16 and 17, and the City Council will soon decide whether to take it up. If you care about who gets a say in local politics, this is a push to expand the electorate.
New Museum and Outdoor Courtyard Proposal
A new museum with an outdoor courtyard is proposed at 1901 Newport Boulevard, offering a cultural addition to the commercial corridor.
Cannabis Storefront Time Extension
The planning commission debated whether to grant a full one-year extension for an approved cannabis storefront on Newport Avenue that has faced delays in plan check. While commissioners expressed frustration over engineering slowdowns, they ultimately supported the extension to help clean up an eyesore property.
Joanne Bike Trail Lighting and Vandalism Repair
City staff provided an update on repairing the severely vandalized Joanne bike trail lighting, noting that new solar-powered pole lights will be installed by the end of the year to replace vulnerable electrical wiring.
Estancia Park Memorial Installations
The commission considered and approved two separate memorial donations at Estancia Park, prompting discussions on park tree species, urban forestry, and maintenance standards.
Real Property Negotiation at 3303 Hyland Avenue
City leaders are discussing potential acquisition or lease terms for property at 3303 Hyland Avenue with negotiators.
Animal Services Contract
Costa Mesa is locking in a new animal services deal, but locals aren't happy because the city skipped the usual citizen oversight process. It's a classic case of the government making moves behind closed doors, leaving residents wondering what else might slip through the cracks.
Paddle Up Commercial Padel Facility
A vacant commercial parking lot on Harbor Boulevard is being transformed into a five-court commercial padel tennis facility, bringing a fast-growing racket sport to the city.
Dick's House of Sport Retail Expansion
Dick's Sporting Goods is bringing its experiential 'House of Sport' concept to Harbor Boulevard, featuring a climbing wall, golf simulators, and updated retail space that requires a height variance.
Costa Mesa Tennis Center Operations
A local resident and RFP bidder expressed concern over low community engagement and daytime usage at the Costa Mesa Tennis Center.
Wildlife and Habitat Impacts at Lions Park
Residents raised concerns over recent vegetation removal at Lions Park, warning that clearing cactus patches disrupted local wildlife burrows, created hazards from off-leash dogs, and exposed potential unintended consequences from pest control.
Coast Community College District Property Rezoning Request
The Coast Community College District requested that the city rezone district-owned property on Adams Avenue from institutional to high-density residential to support housing needs.
Indoor Trampoline Park Approval
A new family-friendly indoor trampoline park called Jumpstart is moving into a vacant storefront at 2200 Harbor Boulevard, bringing new recreation options and breathing life into an underutilized shopping center.
7-Eleven Alcohol License Upgrade on Paularino Avenue
The 7-Eleven convenience store requested an upgrade from a beer and wine license to a general liquor license, featuring a secure, locked display for distilled spirits.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Adjustment
The city's hotel tax sits at 8%, lower than many neighboring cities. Officials explored raising it by up to 3% to generate revenue, but local hoteliers warned it could harm competitiveness against nearby Irvine.
Jack Hammett Sports Complex Fields 1 and 2 Renovation
The city is investing nearly $470,000 to level and re-sod fields 1 and 2 at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex ahead of the fall tournament season.
Rising Electricity Rates and Utility Affordability
Residents urged the city council to adopt resolutions supporting state legislation to curb utility rate hikes and excessive profits by Southern California Edison.